About Atwell Mill Campground
Overview The Mineral King area features the highest elevation campground in the parks. At 7,500 feet (2280 m), it is only open during the summer months. It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive the long narrow, winding, largely unpaved road that leads to the area and its two campgrounds. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Mineral King Road and are not permitted in campgrounds. Mineral King is not connected to the rest of Sequoia National Park by roads. Recreation Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby. Facilities The campground is situated along the East Fork of the Kaweah River in a once logged sequoia grove. Atwell Mill campground contains 21 sites. The Atwell-Hockett Trail begins here. The campground has no sinks and no flush toilets, pit toilets only. Natural Features Hikes into the backcountry out of Mineral King will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Sequoia National Park. Hike to alpine lakes and over mountain passes, or climb a peak. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404. Nearby Attractions There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 1.7 miles (3 km) east of the campground. More extensive services can be found in Three Rivers, 23 miles (37 km) west of Atwell Mill Campground (approximately 1.5 hours away). Charges & Cancellations Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first night’s use fee. Cancellations for a single night’s reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it wi
How to Get There
Atwell Mill Campground is located 19 miles (31 km) from Highway 198 on Mineral King Road, which turns off in Three Rivers, and 6 miles (10 km) before the end of the road. It is an approximately 90 minute drive. The road is primarily unpaved, narrow, winding, and deeply rutted in places. It is not advised for longer vehicles, especially recreational vehicles. No RVs or trailers are permitted in the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Atwell Mill Campground
Heading to Atwell Mill Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Atwell Mill Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Atwell Mill Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10044710) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Atwell Mill Campground?
Atwell Mill Campground is located 19 miles (31 km) from Highway 198 on Mineral King Road, which turns off in Three Rivers, and 6 miles (10 km) before the end of the road. It is an approximately 90 minute drive. The road is primarily unpaved, narrow, winding, and deeply rutted in places. It is not advised for longer vehicles, especially recreational vehicles. No RVs or trailers are permitted in the…
How do I contact Atwell Mill Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 559 565 3341.
References & Official Resources